I hope my readers will excuse the tardiness of this post. I hope to do better in the future. Unfortunately, sometimes life gets in the way! Mea culpa!

Ch 11 Silver pennies

Mae govennan, mellon-nin! I hope you will excuse me whenever I slip into the Grey tongue, but my years of service in Gondor taught me many languages, and I love the sound of the language of the Firstborn.

Now, with your kind permission, I will continue my story.

Peregrin and Diamond went on their journey. We knew it would be a matter of about a month before the Took's return. We stayed at the Smials, and entertained the rest of the hobbits with stories and songs.

One evening, after we had retired, we heard furtive footsteps in the hall. They hesitated outside our door; then went on. Holmes motioned to me turn down the lamp, and he looked out in the hall. He shook his head, and said, "I don't see anyone. Best beware, Watson. The game is afoot! It is getting close to the end, and I believe that our unseen friends are getting a little anxious." With that, the door was closed and bolted for the remainder of the evening.

After breakfast, Holmes went for a brisk walk, while I gave some medical assistance to one of the cooks that had burned her hand on a hot kettle. It had blistered, so I put some salve on it, and put a light dressing on it to keep the air off.

Finally, the Thain and his party returned. It was simply a question of how soon we would put our plan into action. We decided that a fortnight from then would the time. It would be a long time coming, but we would be patient.

Finally, it was time. All our planning would come to fruition shortly. Pippin called the steward into his study and directed him to take 27 silver pennies and keep them until called for. He then sent a message to Buckland.

The stage was set. The steward was to bring everyone into the main dining area. There were many hobbits, from the Thain and his wife, to the smallest child. Everyone came, stable hands, cooks, gardeners, everyone obeyed the summons from the Thain.

Holmes and Pippin were in front, while the steward and I were in the rear. There were a few hobbits I had not seen, but I felt no threat from any. Pippin stood and started to speak.

"I wish to thank all of you for being so prompt. I realize there are chores not being done, but there is something more important. As you know, the Wand of the Thain is missing. I have asked Mr. Frodo Holmes and Dr. Samwise Watson for the aid in possibly retrieving it. They have kindly assented to do so."

He inclined his head towards us. We nodded back. There was a hum from the packed room. "I will not take any more time than is needed. There is one thing I would have you do. As the steward comes around, you will each receive a silver penny. It will be yours to keep or spend as you wish. It is a token of thanks."

The steward did as he was bid, moving around the room, handing out the coins. He returned to the Thain, who said, "Did everyone receive one?"

"Aye, except for you, Diamond, myself, and Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson." He showed the five pennies he had left.

Peregrin said "Please pass the remaining pennies to the five you mentioned. Make sure you receive one yourself."

Very well, sir." The steward put his words into action.

At a glance from Pippin, Holmes started to speak. "First, I would like to thank everyone for their most admirable hospitality. We have been warmly received, and have

enjoyed our stay here. I, indeed, know where the Thain's wand has been secreted. I know why it was taken. I also know by whom."

There was a stir at Holmes' words, which hushed when Holmes again began to speak.